Ford’s CV sales have risen in the first three months of the year, against the overall trend. The van market is down 3.7 per cent on last year, according to figures from the Motor Manufacturers and Traders for the first three months of 2018.

PSA Group is investing in its Luton plant to produce a new Vauxhall Vivaro van from 2019 “despite Brexit uncertainties”. The UK government has provided £9m funding for the deal which safeguards 1,400 jobs.

The HGV Road User Levy for Euro VI vehicles will be cut to £900 from February 2019 from the current rate of £1,000. But the rate for Euro V vehicles will rise to £1,200, under plans unveiled by roads minister Jesse Norman.